Bass Bonanza - 4/21 Bonneville Pool pre-fish invite

Hello everyone fishing the Bass Bonanza or experienced on Bonneville Pool,

I'm planning to do some fishing/exploring Monday 4/21 in preparation for the Bass Bonanza - wind/weather permitting.  I've never fished the Bonneville Pool section of the river and I'm tentatively planning to put in at Mayer State Park, as it seems like a logical choice.

I'm looking for at least one member to join me as I'd prefer not to paddle this area for the first time solo - anyone interested in meeting up is welcome. I'd plan to launch early am, but when there's good light.  I'm thinking the winds would likely be lightest then. Any info or cautions about launching out of Mayer would be appreciated.

I can't make Monday, wish I could. I was out from the marina in Hood River on Saturday. The water in the mainstem is still pretty cold (seemed about as reported on the web) and I couldn't stir up a bite even with all the sun warming the shallows. A few bass were caught inside the marina where the water temp was 3-4F higher.

Good luck!

What was the Water temp?

What was the Water temp?

A guy in a bass boat said 48F in the mainstem. I think that's about what the report from Bonneville Dam had it at too.

I appreciate the replies, and water temp info.  Redbeard, what was the water clarity like on Sat? I've founding them biting good at Hagg this spring since the water hit 47 degrees several weeks ago, so the bite should be starting to get active on the river too.

I appreciate the replies, and water temp info.  Redbeard, what was the water clarity like on Sat? I've founding them biting good at Hagg this spring since the water hit 47 degrees several weeks ago, so the bite should be starting to get active on the river too.

I'd say around 4ft. visibility underwater. I could see a firetiger swimbait I tried for a while in 4-5 ft. in the sun. Just looking down the pilings it seemed more like 3ft.

I'd like to hear more about where ya'll find bass at Hagg Lake... I'm a Hagg newbie.

Redbeard, thanks for the water temp and clarity info.  I'll post an update on the water conditions I find around Mayer after Monday.

I could be tempted to give that a try. If so, I'll probably camp at Memaloose Sunday night to avoid a long morning drive:https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Memaloose+State+Park,+Mosier,+OR+97040/Mayer+State+Park,+Mosier,+OR+97040/@45.6862633,-121.4763792,26082m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x549610a010b1b7b7:0x35773f9996ffc7ab!2m2!1d-121.338342!2d45.6954!1m5!1m1!1s0x54961a2709f82a19:0x5542607c8354a1e5!2m2!1d-121.293351!2d45.68032

Since you're the bass master, what's your favorite technique?

I could be tempted to give that a try. If so, I'll probably camp at Memaloose Sunday night to avoid a long morning drive:https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Memaloose+State+Park,+Mosier,+OR+97040/Mayer+State+Park,+Mosier,+OR+97040/@45.6862633,-121.4763792,26082m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x549610a010b1b7b7:0x35773f9996ffc7ab!2m2!1d-121.338342!2d45.6954!1m5!1m1!1s0x54961a2709f82a19:0x5542607c8354a1e5!2m2!1d-121.293351!2d45.68032

Since you're the bass master, what's your favorite technique?

IslandHoppa,
Thanks for considering meeting up to fish on Monday.  Please look for a PM from me. I definitely don't make any "bass master" claims, but I do intend to be tough competition in the upcoming Bonanza. I think I know how to identify locations that'll hold big fish in April and May.  I don't really have a favorite technique, but I have confidence in some techniques and baits that have accounted for my biggest springtime bass, and I try to be versatile according to the conditions.

I think I'm going to try to arrive to the tourney extra early on friday morning (or maybe thurs night) so that I can get some prefishing in.  I've been checking out some maps of the area and have an idea of where I want to be fishing.

I'm really looking forward to bringing my new kayak home

I know Langston will cut you a good deal...oh wait, you mean the prize ha ha ha!

I think I'm going to try to arrive to the tourney extra early on friday morning (or maybe thurs night) so that I can get some prefishing in.  I've been checking out some maps of the area and have an idea of where I want to be fishing.

I'm really looking forward to bringing my new kayak home

We pretty well covered the Columbia from Mayer State Park up to the Tunnel below Chamerlain Lake. Fished both banks. We were on the water from 6:30-3:30 without a break other than a jaunt up the Klick a few clicks.

Yakbasser lived up to his name with this nice 15" Smallie. Bonneville Poole was like glass, all in all, a great day with a new kayak fishing friend.

IHop,
Thanks for putting up the report! We covered a lot of water.  Your company, the paddling, and the sites were all terrific.

I'll add for anyone who's curious, that the surface temp started out at 46 deg on my external mount Xducer. It warmed up to 47 by mid afternoon - a bit cooler still than I expected to find this time of year. Even a couple more degrees ought to really help get them moving.

I appreciate the update. Nice job getting a calm day! And way to coax a fish out of the cold water. Did you guys put in at the marina? I'm hoping to find some info on the 2 alternate put-in spots, so if you have any info that would be appreciated (I googled, etc. but couldn't find specific info).

Put in at Mayer State Park in OR. Easy launch from the shore, didn't even use the ramp. No other boats launched there Monday. We did see a boat or two upstream on the Klickitat steelheading.